BTO delays are an ongoing problem and will continue being so at least until the end of the year.

We’ve already discussed the issue and the ways that potential buyers have handled it. Some went ahead to seek out a resale flat instead of the coveted BTO apartment. Others decided to use the time to better plan interior design and renovation steps.

It doesn’t matter which group you belong to. Coming up with an action plan right now can help you save a lot of time once the situation normalises. Depending on your personality and the way you address things, there are several ways to make good use of the available time and compensate for current delays in the future.

The BTO Construction Delay Situation: Current Update

In the end of May 2021, HDB provided an update on the construction delay situation stemming from Covid-19 border measures.

According to the HDB announcement, numerous current projects are going to be further delayed due to the inability of foreign workers to get back to Singapore. The tightened Covid-19 measures are having a profound effect on the construction sector.

In early May, the Singaporean government decided to extend quarantine periods from 14 to 21 days – a decision that has a profound impact on foreign workers. Many construction workers, especially those coming from Malaysia, have decided to postpone their return to Singapore as a result of the extension.

Due to these new developments, HDB has issues some guidelines for future flat buyers. Those who are in rush have received a recommendation to seek out a resale flat instead of waiting for a BTO property. Everyone else will have to put up with the construction delays. Previously, a six to nine-month construction delay was announced. As per the latest HDB press release, that period could be extended by an additional three months.

If you’re one of those waiting, you probably feel annoyed and hopeless about the situation.

Still, the delays provide opportunities to plan out your home interior design and conceptualise the perfect residential space. A Singapore interior design company that specialises in BTO renovations can help you make the most of the planning period. It also helps when the company is also a renovation contractor as well.

Depending on your personality and planning style, here are some of the ways in which you could use the situation to make lemonade out of the lemons that life’s handing you right now.

What’s Your Planning Style?

As a Singaporean interior design company that’s been around for decades, we have worked with many types of homeowners. Most of them fall within three main categories.

The Calm One

Calm homeowners don’t sweat the small stuff. They have solely a rough vision of what they’d like to accomplish and they’re open to new ideas. The approach these homeowners adopt is laidback and they don’t feel pressure or a rush to move ahead and finish conceptualising interior design projects fast.

The calm homeowner isn’t in a hurry to partner up with an interior design team. In fact, many of these people approach interior designers six months or less before coming in possession of their BTO flat keys.

Having such a character ensures peace of mind but it can also result in some problems.

Not panicking about timelines is obviously amazing. Finding the right interior design team on a short notice, however, isn’t always easy. Due to the manpower shortages, reputable interior design companies are currently finding themselves overbooked. Hence, calm homeowners who wait too long to get started with project execution may end up having nobody to partner up with.

If you plan to do extensive work like tiling, masonry or wall hacking, the time may be right to begin researching companies. Reaching out and getting quotes right now makes a lot of sense. Managing to book an interior design team will ensure immediate commencement of work after you come in flat possession. Waiting until the last moment could mean nobody’s available to execute the project, contributing to additional delays.

For best results, do your preliminary communication at least eight to nine months in advance. This is especially important if you intend to do a thorough makeover that involves sufficient reconstruction. By doing so, you’ll have a “slot” with the respective interior design company reserved in advance. Once you come in possession of your new flat, you’ll commence the renovation immediately.

The Kanchiong Spider

This is the homeowner on the opposite end of the spectrum from the calm one.

Such homeowners are usually eager to get stuff done. As a result, they’ve probably gathered a couple of quotes already and they’re looking at the fine details to choose the best opportunity as soon as possible.

The problem with this approach is that it often happens to be rushed. By pushing too far and too soon, many of these homeowners don’t have a good and thorough understanding of the interior design project’s scope. Hence, they may end up making a decision that’s based solely on pricing or other superficial selection criteria.

Taking into consideration the complexity of the job that needs to be done is essential. Very often, cheap quotes will lack depth and they will not represent the renovation works thoroughly. Going for a quote that seems very affordable at the time being will usually result in additional expenses later on, expenses that haven’t been put into the initial calculation due to the limited scope of planning.

People who are in a rush could commit another very serious mistake. They will avoid going through a comprehensive vetting process. Since they are in a hurry, they wouldn’t check credentials, licensing and background. Hence, they may end up with quotes provided by industry representatives who don’t have the best reputation out there.

Are you one of the people known to rush stuff because you like to get things done and finished as soon as possible? If so, you could be making a serious quality compromise that will come back to bite you later on.

When communicating with interior designers, you will often get verbal promises that are impossible to meet. For many businesses, closing the deal is more important than actually delivering. And if you’re in a rush, you’d be happy to hear what you want.

Instead of adopting such a superficial approach, slow down. Take some time to do your research. Construction delays right now warrant a few additional days.

Seek out interior design companies in Singapore that are a part of CaseTrust. CaseTrust guarantees a fair deal between service providers and homeowners. If there are any renovation delays, you’ll be promised and delivered some form of valid compensation.

The Visionary

The visionary is a homeowner who’s somewhere in between the two personality types already mentioned.

A visionary has some idea of what they’d like to accomplish but it’s not set in stone. They also understand practical consideration without being in an extreme rush to identify the best service provider right here, right now.

Visionaries have big ideas that they’d like to see fully-developed. This is why they’re often willing to put more time and work in the communication with an interior design company. They enjoy the brainstorming, getting a model of the upcoming upgrade and seeing an actual visualization of what a flat is going to look like in the future.

When it comes to seeking out service providers, visionaries aren’t drawn to the cheapest quote. Rather, they’d like to have clarity and a comprehensive vision that is going to bring a specific project to reality with as little delays and alterations as possible.

A visionary enjoys the process of working on interior design upgrades. That person knows the cheapest quote isn’t always the best one. A visionary is also open to professional input that modifies and elevates the initial concept to a brand new height.

If you are a visionary, do focus on the practical side of things a bit more. It’s definitely nice to enjoy the planning of interior design work. At the same time, you’ll need to get into specifics like costs, packages and schedules. Paying attention to both will result in the home of your dreams that’s delivered in due time and within a reasonable budget.

As a visionary, you can benefit from interior design packages. These cost a quarter or a third of a 10-percent downpayment contract. In addition, design fees will often be waived if one and the same company handles all aspects of the renovation work.

It’s ok to be open-minded but you’ll have to pursue your financial interest, as well. Hence, it’s not a bad idea to seek out packages, discounts and other perka that could potentially give you the outcome you want at a very reasonable price.

Start Planning Interior Design Work Now, Get the Home of Your Dreams

Seeing BTO construction delays as a positive thing isn’t always easy. After all, you’re probably eager to begin that exciting journey.

Still, the current situation forces you to slow down. The additional time can be put to good use, especially if you’re planning extensive upgrades and BTO flat overhauls.

At Home Guide, we have an array of BTO promo packages and opportunities to visualise interior design projects. These chances create a sense of clarity before the actual renovation can commence.

Our HomeAlive 360º is a perfect service to employ, given the current circumstances. With this solution, we give future homeowners a 3D, complete view of what their brand new home is going to look after the job is done. The solution also makes it easy to confirm the actual flat layouts, colour schemes, material selections and carpentry dimensions.

Don’t hesitate to contact Home Guide today if you want to find out more and have all of the planning work completed in due time.

How long will a home interior design and renovation take? The answer to that question depends on the specific kinds of work you want to have done. Unfortunately, pandemic realities have made it more difficult to carry out certain kinds of renovation. In fact, many homeowners are finding themselves in a sticky situation because of delays and renovation limitations.

If you’re planning to freshen up your home before the arrival of the new year, you should definitely start communicating with a home interior design company in Singapore right now. Postponing the preliminary research could make it impossible to finalise the project in due time. Here’s why.

Planning and Executing Extensive Home Interior Design Upgrades Is Tricky Right Now

Covid-19 safety measures have made it difficult for many Singapore interior design companies to keep up with their renovation schedules. The situation is serious enough to have caused months of delays in the execution and completion of more extensive projects.

Border restrictions with Malaysia, as well as the Circuit Breaker measures that were still effective in the beginning of the year contributed to some issues pertaining to maintaining sufficiently large renovation teams.

Many foreign renovation workers that Singaporean interior design companies rely on chose to remain in Malaysia due to quarantine periods that Singapore enacted upon entry from the country. As a result, renovation schedules have had to be pushed back because of the limited workforce. As of now, the delays mean that many companies will be fully-booked and incapable of completing extensive renovation works until the end of the third or even fourth quarter of 2021.

Labour-intensive jobs like tiling, demolition, reconstruction and masonry are heavily dependent on the experience and skills of workers from abroad. The contractors who are in Singapore right now are fully packed with such work. Hence, many interior design companies cannot offer their clients the immediate comprehensive services that are typical within the field.

Planning an Extensive Home Renovation

If you want to carry out a complete interior design overhaul, the time has come to get to it. If you do make the first steps right now, extensive renovation work can commence in September or October. As a result, you will be capable of fulfilling the project by the end of the year.

It’s important to establish the preliminary communication as soon as possible.

Singapore has many interior design companies but needless to say, you have to make the right choice for a interior design partner. Hiring someone who lacks the experience and the communication skills can result in a disastrous outcome. At the same time, the best industry representatives are the ones dealing with the biggest number of bookings right now.

There really is no need to postpone.

You can still welcome 2022 in a brand new home. For the purpose, you should have a pretty good idea about the scope of work you’d like to have done and you should also approach interior design professionals right now.

Companies like Home Guide offer their clients quick, easy and effortless opportunities to schedule a first consultation. During that meeting, you’d get to discuss the most important aspects of the project, the way it will be executed, the cost and the timeline for the completion. If you’re unhappy with any of these aspects, you can move on to seeking an alternative.

To discuss an interior design project that you’d like to complete before the beginning of the new year, do the following:

• Do some online research to come across interior design service providers who are capable of offering the solutions you’re looking for (checking out home interior design and renovation portfolios can give you a really good idea)
• Get in touch with the companies you’re interested in working with right now and schedule a first consultation
• Draft a list of questions about project specifics, the renovation jobs that will have to be handled and the deadlines
• Request a detailed price quote that features both the cost and the timeline for the completion of the interior design upgrade
• If you’re happy with the renovation schedule, you’ll next need to sign an agreement that’s legally-binding for both parties involved (never agree to a verbal arrangement, especially when it comes to timelines and financial issues)
• Get started with the project

Before agreeing to anything, make sure that the contractual obligations of both parties are extensively defined. A good contract should also feature fines, compensations and other compensatory mechanisms that will protect your rights as a customer.

Having a brand new home before the new year is possible if you get started now. And making that first step is so easy

Contact Home Guide today to schedule your first consultation and get a better idea about feasible timelines and the scope of work that can be completed by then.

Do you miss the nightclub experience? Through the power of interior design Singapore, you may be capable of bringing it home.

Obviously, the special vibe of going out, meeting new people, dancing till the morning and feeling completely carefree cannot be replicated in its entirety. Still, there are opportunities to have a danceclub-like option in your entertainment space or living room.

If you like having friends over and you enjoy high quality music sound, such home interior design changes will make sense for you. Here are some suggestions to bring the party home.

Be Considerate of Your Neighbours

Entertaining friends at home during the night and playing loud music will not go down well with the neighbours. Thus, if you plan to organise parties often, you’ll need to think about minimising disturbances as much as possible.

Soundproofing is an absolute essential to prevent confrontations with the neighbours or more serious consequences. There are many ways to soundproof a room for the loud playing of music.

Some of the most popular and effective choices include the use of soundproofing curtains and blankets, the installation of acoustic panels, ceiling and floor soundproofing. Shelves, cabinets and other hefty types of furniture can also have a soundproofing effect.

It’s also important to make sure that shaky items are properly mounted and held in place. Otherwise, they will vibrate and create some additional noise.

An experienced home interior design company in Singapore will assess the specifics of the venue to recommend the soundproofing choices that make the most sense. You don’t need to go for professional, studio-quality soundproofing but if you’re spending money on such upgrades, they should definitely get the job done.

Set the Mood

Now that the practical considerations are out of the way, it’s time to establish the club mood through the power of interior design. Any dance club connoisseur out there knows that lights play an important role.

For a start, it’s good to feature blackout curtains and to cover the walls in black fabric. This way, the effect of a special lighting system will be even more impressive.

Flashing lights, strobe lights and even black lights can all be used to set the mood. There are many light systems that will pulsate and flash in rhythm, giving you the nightclub experience and the adrenaline rush that comes with it.

There are many professional systems, LED lights and even products aimed at creating an entire light show at home. Choose the possibility that’s in line with your budget and that corresponds to the type of music you intend to play at your DIY domestic nightclub.

Setting the mood is also about choosing the right theme and decorating the room accordingly. Fluffy white pillows or bean bags, a prominent bar, a bubble machine or even a photo booth setup will all be great. Don’t forget, however, that some of these accessories can be very expensive. Purchasing them makes sense if you’re going to host parties often enough and if they’re in line with your budget.

If you cannot spend so much money on setting the mood, let your interior designer know what you want to get and what budget you’re comfortable with. Based on such information, an experienced professional can come up with alternatives that will give you a similar vibe without breaking the bank.

Audio Quality

There’s one more essential we need to discuss and that’s the quality of sound. Dance clubs are known for powerful sound system that turn a basic song into an actual, throbbing sensation.

Getting a DJ station for your living room may be a good idea if you like playing and mixing music during parties. If you don’t have so much experience with audio equipment, a good sound system will do the trick.

Regular Bluetooth speakers that you use during the day aren’t going to cut it. You need the right equipment to replicate the feel of nightclub music. One choice you have is the rental of professional audio equipment for your parties. This choice makes sense as you wouldn’t have to burden the room with hefty speakers and subwoofers. These will be brought in only when you host and entertain.

Do consider a consultation with an audio technology professional, especially if you’re not that knowledgeable. Otherwise, you risk spending a ton of money on a sound system that’s not well suited to your needs or particularly good.

Keep Versatility in Mind, as Well!

Remember that most likely the dance club will have to transform into your living room during the day and vice versa (unless you are into a 24/7 party space).

This is why smart and multi-functional choices would make the most sense.

Intelligent furniture systems that serve a couple of purposes are a great choice. The same applies to items that are easy to move. Having such modular systems will help you open up enough space for a dancefloor. Smart furniture will also simplify clean-up and the return to normalcy the next day.

And here’s one final thing to remember – a dance partyis much more about the experience than about the accessories.

There really isn’t an awfully big need to spend a ton of money on luxurious and posh decorative items. A few simple tweaks will often be much more effective when it comes to setting the right mood. If you have the right lights and good audio quality, you’re good to go!

Don’t opt for an over-priced and exaggerated DIY project. Instead, consult residential interior designers. Professionals like the Home Guide team that is also a home renovation contractor in Singapore that is HDB licensed will help you find out if you can bring the dance floor experience to your home, whether you’ll need some permits to get the job done and how much it will cost you.

Contact Home Guide today to get the project started.

Singaporeans enjoy freedom and flexibility when it comes to how a new home would be purchased. Choosing one option or the other depends on many factors. Budget, flat availability and extensiveness of the customisation work that will occur after purchasing will all need to be examined.

Buying a BTO flat or renovating a resale home rank among the prominent choices. We have already discussed the main differences when it comes to cost but the time has come to dig a little bit deeper.

Renovating a BTO and a resale flat are not one and the same process. This is why you’ll need to engage in some careful planning before initiating the job. Also, you’ll have to find the right HDB renovation contractor to handle the specifics of the renovation.

Here’s an overview of the planning process that you’ll need to go through, depending on the option you choose. Doing such analysis in advance will help you make up your mind about the type of flat that’s best suited to your needs.

Budgetary Considerations

There are significant differences pertaining to the amount you’ll have to spend on either HDB home types.

A BTO flat will essentially give you an empty canvas. It’s up to you to decide how you’re going to decorate and furnish such an apartment. In some instances, you’ll also have the option of choosing certain add-ons like flooring of preference directly from HDB.

The budget for BTO interior design and  renovation will depend on the size of the flat and the types of work you’d want to have done. We’ve previously discussed the cost of BTO renovation and the average for a four-room flat is 53,000 dollars. The price range is usually in the vicinities of 20,000 dollars for a small flat to 50,000 dollars for a much larger property.

Resale flats, on the other hand, will have a couple of additional factors determining the cost of renovation. The condition of the flat and how it has been maintained up to that point will matter the most. Any unit that’s been around for a longer period of time will obviously need more extensive renovation.

Structural work and rewiring of older properties can be quite costly, reaching a total budget of about 20,000 to 30,000 dollars. With all additional work, the sum can expand to about 50,000 to 90,000 dollars.

Needless to say, there are ways to reduce the cost of renovation, no matter which type of unit you choose. Discussing the situation with your HDB renovation contractor will give you a detailed price quote, plus some of the best opportunities to save some cash.

Planning a BTO vs. Resale Flat Renovation

A new BTO flat is usually cheaper to buy (usually, there is a 20 to 30 per cent price difference). You will, however have to wait. Also, you’ll get a completely blank and stripped down version of the property. It will be up to you and the renovation team to elevate the interior and bring it close to the home that you’d want to live in.

Some essentials to plan for when renovating a brand new BTO flat include the following:

• What’s the interior design style and functionality you’re going for (based on your lifestyle preferences)
• What materials do you prefer (natural, affordable, sustainable, etc.)? Keep in mind that the materials are one of the biggest contributors to the overall cost of the renovation
• Do a thorough assessment of the flat’s current condition
• Will you be hiring an interior designer or just a team of contractors for the job
• HDB permit planning – what documentation will have to be handled and received for the property to get modified
• Determine if more extensive re-construction and modification work will be taking place
• Shop for materials, furniture, accessories, fixtures
• Come up with a timeline for the completion of the project with your HDB renovation contractor

When going through a resale flat renovation, the most important planning steps will be:

• Do a thorough assessment of the flat’s current condition (with special focus on structural elements, plumbing, wiring and other expensive upgrades that may have to take place)
• Create a list of all the upgrades and modernisations you’d like
• Review the HVAC system, ceilings, doors and windows
• List must-haves that you definitely want but aren’t featured in the flat right now
• Find the right contractor that’s experienced enough to upgrade and modernise a resale flat
• Get a detailed quote and negotiate some of the steps/procedures/timelines

As you can see, the approaches are quite different. That’s because BTO and resale flats have their distinctive advantages and shortcomings. Renovation planning in both instances will aim to ramp up the first and completely eliminate the second.

Both Units Can Give You the Home of Your Dreams

The one thing you have to understand clearly is that both a BTO and a resale flat can give you the home of your dreams.

The perfect home is the one you have envisioned. Bringing that vision to reality depends on choosing a suitable unit and a knowledgeable renovation contractor who understands your idea.

The Home Guide team’s experienced interior designers and visionaries can guide you during every step of the way. We understand the specifics of BTO renovations and we are an interior design company that is also a home renovation contractor so we know the main challenges that resale flats bring to the table. Don’t hesitate to contact us today and begin the journey towards crafting your perfect home.

To produce a cohesive interior design concept, professionals in the field have to take many elements in consideration. One of these elements that doesn’t get spoken of way too often is space.

Designing for a large flat in Singapore isn’t the same as choosing the right décor and interior improvements for a small living space. This is why space planning is one of the first and most important steps that interior designers will engage in.

So, what exactly is space planning and how does it work?  In essence, this is a fundamental interior design element that works with form, pattern, texture, light and colour.

What is Space Planning in Interior Design?

Space planning, put in simple terms, is an extensive analysis of how a particular space is going to be used. It applies to all kinds of design – residential, commercial, industrial, retail, etc. Through space planning, an interior designer can come up with individual zones on the basis of function. Once these zones are established, the right kind of interior design can be selected for each.

For experienced designers, it’s very important to understand exactly how a client intends to use a space.

No two people have the same idea for a flat or an office. This is why space planning has to be very personalised to accommodate for distinctive needs. Based on these needs, the design team will make functional choices to promote a specific lifestyle.

Good space planning also leaves some room for adaptability. Needless to say, needs aren’t static. The way you live today isn’t necessarily the way you’re going to live five years from now. Good space planning allows for some flexibility and change through the years. When this happens, you don’t have to go through renovations often in order to accommodate for the new preferences.

Reasons Why Space Planning Matters

There are several reasons why space planning is one of the seven key elements of interior design.

For a start, it determines the functionality of a room or a premise. Space analysis always starts with the function of a particular zone. When this function is established, an interior designer can make the choices that will facilitate the respective purpose.

Space planning also creates balance. Here’s a simple example of how this happens – you cannot stuff an oversized sofa in a tiny living room. Such design elements aren’t going to be balanced, throwing off the proportions of the space. When planning isn’t carried out in a correct way, a small flat could start looking even more crammed or a large apartment could become empty and hollow.

Through space planning, interior designers can choose the right furniture and the right arrangements to ensure better flow and optimal utilisation of the particular area.  The final outcome isn’t just going to be functional, it will also carry a ton of visual appeal that works well with the specifics of the particular zone.

Key Considerations When Space Planning Is Being Carried Out

Analysing an existing residential or commercial space is far from easy. A professional needs a good understanding of the area’s potential and they also should have some sort of vision for the future of the space.

A couple of key considerations play a role in professional and successful space planning.

The structure and layout of the room/area come first. When these are being analysed, a designer can come up with some focal points and highlights. If such focal points are missing, they can be added (in the form of divisions, built-in units, columns, etc.) to increase balance.

Next, a designer will have to examine the size of the area. Perspective, perception and utilisation are all dependent on size. The same applies to the interior design solutions that will be chosen and executed in the respective area. Size refers both to the area and the volume of the space (both horizontal and vertical planes should be taken in account).

When these types of analysis are carried out, interior designers can choose scale, furniture size, colour schemes (to make the space look bigger or smaller and cosier) and even patterns and textures.

Usually, space planning results are presented in the form of diagrams or 3D visualisations. These will give the owner a better idea about how the space can be utilised and optimised in line with the intended purpose.

If the space is too small or unsuitable for a purpose that the owner has in mind, a designer may also come up with ideas to “borrow” space from other areas or choose the design solution that will result in the optical illusion of more airiness.

Leave Space Planning to the Professionals!

Doing a bit of online research will give you a ton of information about how to do your own space plan. This is an aspect of home renovation and interior design, however, that you should leave to the professionals.

Interior designers go through years of training in order to recognise both potential and challenges when doing space planning.

In the absence of such knowledge, you’ll find it impossible to create a balanced concept that looks good and that’s also highly functional.

An interior design company like Home Guide can handle the entire interior design process on your behalf, and that includes renovation – the fact that we are also a HDB-licensed renovation contractor also streamlines the process. This includes the initial planning, the execution and even the finishing touches.

If you want to make the most of your available residential or commercial space, contact Home Guide right now. We’d be more than happy to help you carry out a comprehensive transformation.

Houseplants – even if you’re finding it difficult to keep them alive, you must confess they add a special touch to the interior design of a home.

Going beyond the beautiful appearance, however, live plants can be used to accomplish a lot more than a pretty flat.

Most people know the fact that plants purify the air and improve its quality (some more so than others). In addition, they can have a relaxing effect and studies link a green environment to better mental health and overall wellness.

The Numerous Positive Effects of Adding Indoor Plants to Your Home

Houseplants can deliver a serious range of health benefits, which is why their addition to home décor is a definite must.

For a start, many kinds of plants improve air quality. Some of them are so good at filtering out bad stuff that they’ve even been endorsed by agencies like NASA.

NASA has done research on the topic, sealing various kinds of plants inside an aircraft. The findings of this experiment were quite outstanding. Most houseplants had the power to reduce the presence of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in the air significantly.

Now, newer studies suggest you’ll need to have an entire indoor garden in order to see significant improvement in air quality. Still, the mere fact that every single leaf has filtering capabilities is a sufficient reason to start bringing potted plants in your home.

On top of that, houseplants can improve your mood and reduce stress levels. One study presented in the Journal of Physiological Anthropology found out that people who had houseplants felt more soothed, relaxed and at ease than people who didn’t have greenery at home.

There are several other health benefits researchers have established through experimentation. These include an anti-depression effect, a strengthening of focus and cognitive abilities and even an improved ability to recover from illness faster.

What Are Some of the Best Plants to Bring to Your Home?

All of this may sound great but you’re probably worried about your ability to keep something green alive in your home.

The good news is that many species are tough and resilient enough to survive in the homes of amateur and newbie gardeners. Some of these plants also have exceptional abilities to deliver the health benefits mentioned above.

So, if you’re not that good when it comes to maintaining plants alive and thriving, we recommend experimenting with the following kinds:

Snake plant

Not only is snake plant incredibly undemanding, it also looks very good. The decorative leaves have a very specific pattern that adds to the beauty of home décor. Snake plant is as low maintenance as it gets. It doesn’t need frequent watering and it can even survive intense drought. If you’re forgetful about providing hydration to your plants, this is the one to pursue. Snake plants are very beneficial because research shows they can filter out various kinds of harmful chemicals from the air.

Pothos

This is a rapidly growing plant that can reach spectacular dimensions really fast. Hence, if you’re looking for a low-maintenance statement piece, this is the one. Pothos can survive in shadier rooms and it’s not bothered by dry air or irregular watering. It’s also quite similar to snake plant in its ability to filter chemicals like benzene, xylene, formaldehyde and others.

Dracaena

Dracaenas can thrive in all kinds of light, which turns them into great house and office plants. Dracaena is in fact a group of various sub-species. The most resilient and easy to care for one is called Dracaena lisa, which is recognised for its air purification abilities.

Spider Plant

The thin, decorative leaves of spider plant turn it into an instant favourite as far as aesthetics are concerned. The only condition you have to meet in order to get your spider plant to thrive is ensure enough sunlight (not direct light, however). A spider plant is also very easy to propagate if you’re interested in having more than one of the same kind.

Rubber Plant

The rubber plant has beautiful burgundy leaves that will remain in excellent condition even if you’re not a stellar gardener. The plant can survive infrequent watering, just make sure you don’t keep it too wet.

Monstera

This is a beautiful houseplant that grows very quickly without needing a lot of care and attention. Monstera is a perfect choice if you’re looking for a statement plant – it can reach quite significant heights within a short period of time. A Monstera plant doesn’t have to be watered more often than once every two or three weeks.

Peace Lily

Good Interior Design Should Correspond to Your Lifestyle and Needs

You can have beautiful houseplants, even if you’re a busy professional and you spend a lot of time away from your flat.

Let experienced home interior designers like Home Guide come up with the right concept for your home. We will take into account your lifestyle, your goals and the home maintenance level you feel comfortable with.

Contact us today to schedule your first home design consultation.

If you’re seeking out an easy to care for flowering plant, choose the peace lily. The huge white flowers will blossom throughout the year, giving you the satisfaction of observing them (and feeling proud of your accomplishment). The plant is very easy to “read” as far as its needs go. Droopy leaves suggest a watering is required.

As of May 16, 2021, Singapore has once again tightened the measures to counter the spread of the Covid-19 pandemic. This time around, the measures limit gatherings to two people, turn work from home into a default mode and prohibit dining in.

Essentially, the restrictions are very strict and coming quite close to the Circuit Breaker period of 2020.

This fact means that some measures are going to be around in the longer term, changing our lives, our work and our interactions with others.

Singaporeans, just like people from all parts of the world, have been forced to spend more time at home than ever before. The function of the residential property has been expanded to accommodate for changing needs and desires. Today, most of us work from home, chill out and exercise indoors to some extent. Interior design has to change in order to accommodate for these realities.

If you’re thinking about home renovation upgrades in 2021 to boost the functionality of your flat, you’re not alone. Luckily, a reputable Singapore home interior design company like Home Guide can help you make the most of the available space to restore some sense of normalcy amid these chaotic times.

Managing a Stay-In Renovation

Have you had your travel plans for 2020 and 2021 changed exponentially? In that case, you can redirect the travel funds you saved to a home renovation.

The tricky part here would be to carry out a home renovation while staying home (most likely with other family members like your spouse and your kids). A stay-in renovation is a somewhat tricky concept to execute but it can be done.

For a start, your interior design company can organise the renovation in phases to facilitate contractor activities and give you some degree of comfort. Together, you can also work out a plan to minimise the inconvenience to your neighbours.

The easiest way to carry out the project is to move from one part of the flat to another while the work is ongoing. Dustproofing of the areas that are being upgraded will minimise inconveniences and the need for constant cleaning. Regular plastic drop cloths to cover furniture and accessories will also come in handy.

It may also be a good idea to consider external storage for bulkier pieces of furniture, art and other valuable belongings. Taking those out of the flat while the renovation lasts will minimise the risk of damage and also speed up work. As there’ll be no need to move bulky items around, contractors will get to finish their job much faster.

Home Renovation Ideas in a Post-Covid-19 World

Now that you have an idea about how to carry out and stage the work, it’s time to check out a few ideas aimed at expanding the range of activities you can engage in at home.

Based on our practice, we recommend modernising your kitchen as one of the primary project pillars. Dining out has been very difficult during 2020 and it will probably continue being challenging this year. Having a functional and modern kitchen will simplify meal prep at home, even if you’re not a masterchef.

The kitchen can also be remodelled into the area that you count on to host and entertain guests. A beautiful island with bar stools or a large food preparation countertop will create a sense of community and belonging.

It’s also a good idea to plan the addition of new custom cabinetry to free up as much space as possible and reduce kitchen clutter. If you have the budget for it, think about some clever appliances and gadgets to diversify the range of meals you could prepare for family and loved ones.

A bathroom renovation will easily give you a personal spa and a chillout area most of us are in definite need of right now. Something as simple as the installation of a rainforest shower or hydro massage jets will give you the perfect opportunity to relax and decompress in the end of a busy day.

Finally, do turn your focus to the living area.

This is one of the most versatile parts of the flat. While most people use it for entertainment and TV watching, a living room can be divided into a couple of functional zones through the use of partitions and custom carpentry.

You can easily add a study zone for your child’s online lessons. A small study niche would be a good choice if you don’t have the space for a separate home office. Hence, during the day, your living room would transform into a work and study area. In the evening, it will be the place where the family will come together for some fun and laughs.

Don’t forget the addition of smart storage solutions to the living room for the purpose of ensuring effortless home transformations.

It’s easy to see how the functionality of every Singaporean flat can be extended immensely through the power of interior design. For the purpose, however, you have to be smart and strategic when it comes to allocating your renovation budget.

Home Guide can help you achieve the biggest and most cost-efficient change. Everything required for a comfortable, satisfying life is within your reach. You simply have to unleash your apartment’s hidden potential. Contact us today to start the process.

As exciting as the acquisition of a new flat is going to be, the process could also be considered terrifying in more than one way. This is one of the biggest decisions you’ll make in your life. Hence, you have to be 100 per cent confident in your choice and your ability to secure funding.

If you’ve never gone through the HDB BTO flat buying procedure before, you probably have a ton of question about the steps you’ll need to go through. The following guide will give you a detailed overview and some practical pointers to count on during every step of the way.

A Summary of BTO Flat Buying Steps

Before checking out each one of the steps in detail, here’s a quick overview of the entire BTO flat buying process:

• Step 1: check your eligibility since each kind of HDB flat comes with certain requirements potential owners have to fulfill
• Step 2: do some research on upcoming BTO launches and shortlist the flats that you’re interested in (upcoming BTO launches are announced six months in advance, giving you enough time to check out the details)
• Step 3: ballot for a flat online – this is the actual application process and you have seven days from the BTO release to figure out if you’d like to apply
• Step 4: ensure your eligibility for an HDB or a bank loan
• Step 5: schedule an appointment with the HDB to select your unit
• Step 6: schedule another HDB appointment to make your downpayment and sign your lease agreement
• Step 7: collect your keys and feel proud about the fact that you’re now an HDB BTO flat owner

Step 1: HDB Eligibility Requirements Check

HDB has a number of criteria for potential homeowners to meet before applying for anything. Hence, before moving on to the other steps, make sure that you qualify for the BTO flat program.

You can find out more about the eligibility requirements by visiting the official HDB website. A few of the most important criteria that HDB will examine to determine your eligibility include the following:

• Citizenship: to become a BTO flat owner, you need to be a Singaporean citizen. If you have a co-applicant for the property, the same condition will apply to them. Permanent residents are also eligible for BTO flat acquisition.
• Age: at the time you apply for a brand new BTO flat, you have to be aged 21 or older.
• Marital status: if you’re applying with your fiancé, you’ll need to register your marriage before coming in BTO flat possession. This criterion falls under the HDB fiancé scheme. If you’re a single person, you’ll be eligible for a two-room flat in a non-mature estate. If you’re a single applicant over the age of 25, you can qualify for a two-room flat in a non-mature estate but you can have up to three single co-applicants.
• Income ceiling: the income ceiling for a two-room flexi or a three-room flat is 7,000 dollars or 14,000 dollars for short-lease properties. For four-room and bigger BTO properties, the income ceiling is 14,000 dollars but can be extended to 21,000 dollars if you are buying as an extended or multi-generation family.
• Property ownership requirements: to qualify for a BTO flat, you’ll have to prove that you don’t own any property in Singapore or overseas. People who own property will have to dispose of their current flat at least 30 months before applying for a brand new BTO home.

Step 2: Research of Upcoming BTO Launches

For many, this is the most exciting part of the process, as it will determine the characteristics of the brand new home that’s going to be bought eventually.

Upcoming sales launches are announced via the HDB website. You should check it regularly to access new information as soon as it becomes available.

As already mentioned, upcoming BTO launches are announced six months in advance, giving you enough time to assess the possibilities and decide which one meets your goals in the best way.

Do go through all considerations carefully. These include the location, the size and layout of the flat, availability of amenities, nearby infrastructure, pricing considerations, etc. Don’t make the decision lightly on the basis of an emotional reaction. Give yourself enough time for the emotions to subside – this is when you can make a rational decision for the future.

Step 3: BTO Balloting or Actual Flat Application

Now that you know what flat you want to get, it’s time to go through the actual HDB application for the property.

Once the BTO launch is announced, you have a seven-day application window. There’s going to be a 10-dollar application fee you’ll need to pay in order to move forward with the procedure.

Every launch gives you one opportunity to apply for a single flat at a single location. This is why you need to be 100 per cent confident in your selection. If you’re hesitant or somewhat reserved, you may want to wait for an upcoming launch that will meet your needs better.

For more information on the application process, please check out these HDB guidelines.

There’s no way to know if you’re going to qualify for a BTO home the first time you try. The number of applicants is definitely going to affect your chances. Some people get lucky the first time around, especially if they’re strategic in their application. Others will need to go through balloting a couple of times before they get a flat. Usually, you’ll know whether you’ve been approved for a brand new home within three months of applying.

To increase your chances of being successful the first time around, you can apply under priority schemes that you qualify for. Some of these include the Parenthood Priority Scheme, Married Child Priority Scheme, Multi-Generation Priority Scheme and Third Child Priority Scheme.

Step 4: Securing Financing

Now that you’ve qualified for a BTO flat, it’s time to start planning the financial aspects of the purchase.

HDB has put together a very useful budget calculator you can use to determine how much funding you’re going to need on the basis of your current savings and the parameters of the flat that you’d like to acquire.

Your two finance options in Singapore include an HDB loan and a bank loan.

HDB loans require no cash downpayment, which makes them ideal for first-time buyers and those who have limited savings. If you have some cash set aside, you may want to look into bank loans as an alternative.

If an HDB loan is the one of preference, you’ll have to apply for an HDB Loan Eligibility letter.  This document, as well as all additional financial documentation will be required during your first meeting with the HDB. Make sure you have an entire file put together to speed up the upcoming steps.

A final tip here is to be very selective with bank loans. Don’t just go for the first one being offered. Take some time to compare financial products and their conditions. There are many online tools you can use for the purpose.

Step 5: Schedule Your First HDB Appointment

You now have an approval and you’ve gotten your finances in order. The next step would be to schedule your very first HDB appointment, during which you’re going to select your flat.

Usually, there will be a few months between the completion of balloting and the first HDB meeting.

Use this time period to shortlist a few ideal flat choices. Do understand this is only preliminary research. There will be many other approved applicants and some of them will be ahead of you in the queue (on the basis of their queue number). Hence, the flat you fall in love with isn’t necessarily the one that will come in your possession in the end.

Online tools are available to check your selection progress before the actual HDB appointment.

When heading over for the appointment, bring along your IC, documents certifying your income and the documents pertaining to the loan you’ve secured. Once you select the unit you’re interested in, you’ll get the purchase process going by paying the option fee.  The sum is 500 dollars for a two-room flat, 1,000 dollars for a three-room flat and 2,000 dollars for a four-room flat or bigger.

Step 6: Schedule Your Downpayment Appointment

The next HDB appointment you’ll schedule will need to occur for the downpayment to be completed before you sign your lease agreement.

As a general rule of thumb, the lease agreement needs to be signed within four months of booking your unit. This condition gives you enough time to get your finances in complete order before making the downpayment.

During this appointment, you’ll have to make a decision on the BTO flat ownership status. You have two options – joint tenancy and tenancy in common. The term joint tenancy refers to both owners having a 50-50 percent ownership of the BTO flat. Tenancy in common gives two or more owners different shares. This option is often chosen by people who contribute different amounts to the purchase.

As far as the downpayment goes, the amount will depend on several factors.

Those who have obtained an HDB loan will need to put an initial sum of 10 per cent into the downpayment (based on the purchase price of the flat). In the event of a bank loan, the downpayment is going to be at least 25 per cent of the property’s value. At least five per cent of that amount will have to be paid in cash.

There will also be legal fees and stamp duties to take care of.

Step 7: Collecting the Keys

A long journey has finally come to an end.

If all of the previous steps are completed successfully, you’ll now move on to collecting your BTO flat fees and coming up with additional arrangements (like a BTO renovation and moving in).

The HDB will be responsible for notifying you when the keys to your brand new apartment can be collected. Again, there are different timeframes. Some new owners will get their keys before others but this isn’t anything to feel alarmed by.

Step 8: Home Interior Design and Renovation

Once you have your keys, you can start conceptualizing a BTO interior design and renovation, the acquisition of the right furniture, appliances and accessories for your home.

This is where professional assistance is going to come in really handy.

Home Guide is an HDB licensed home interior design and renovation company. Through the years, we’ve helped numerous homeowners bring their perfect flat vision to reality. You can check out our residential portfolio for a better understanding of our style and capabilities.

In addition, we’ve put together a good range of affordable BTO renovation packages. You’ve already spent enough on getting your BTO flat. Chances are that you would want to save as much money as possible on your renovation (while still getting a high quality outcome).

Contact Home Guide now to discuss the specifics of your BTO renovation and to get the process started.

The ongoing Covid-19 pandemic has contributed to some very interesting and unique property market developments.

In April 2021, The Straits Times reported that 85 per cent of new BTO projects face completion delays in the range from six to nine months. These are the result of the Circuit Breaker period and the discontinuation of various types of construction work while the measures lasted.

According to the Ministry of National Development, approximately 43,000 Singaporean households have been affected by the delays. Some of them have decided to pursue a new home in an alternative way, which boosted the demand for resale flats.

Homeowners right now can make good use of this brand new opportunity. There are ways to spruce up a resale flat and increase its value through the execution of an interior design project. Needless to say, some upgrades result in a much higher return on investment (ROI). These are the ones worth pursuing, especially if excellent monetisation is the end goal.

Understand What Buyers Are Looking for

Resale flats bring one important advantage to the table.

Most of the time, they’ll need some freshening up at most. These are flats that people can move in immediately. In fact, potential owners will quite often pay a bit more on a property that’s in good condition and that can be inhabited as soon as possible.

This is why you need to look at your resale flat through the eyes of a potential buyer.

Does it have all essentials required for comfortable living? Are there cracks on the walls? How about the condition of the two most functional spaces – the bathroom and the kitchen? Is the flooring in a good state? How about the availability of storage space?

Getting to reimagine your flat from the viewpoint of a buyer will lead to the most practical and effective home interior design.

If you find it exceptionally difficult to imagine what home buyers would be looking for, do get in touch with a professional. A Singapore interior design team isn’t just going to suggest the right kind of project execution. You’ll also ensure a speedy completion and quality control to give you and the potential buyers impressive results.

Home Improvements That Add the Most Value to a Resale Flat

As already mentioned, interior design upgrades aren’t created equal. Some of them cost little to execute while they’ll be adding the most to the value of your flat. These are the changes you should go after in order to receive the best price for your property.

Sprucing up the bathroom is one of the first opportunities you should go after. A change of tiles or the addition of a water conservation shower and toilet will appeal to the environmentally-conscious crowd. At the same time, such upgrades are fairly easy and quick to complete.

Brand new flooring is another way to give the property an immediate appearance “lift.” Also, you don’t have to go for the most expensive materials out there like hardwood, for example. Tiles are very versatile and contemporary materials can resemble many of the expensive flooring options. Brand new tiles create a sense of freshness and easy maintenance – exactly what you want to be offering potential resale buyers.

Next, check out if the home offers enough storage space. This is especially important for smaller flats. Luckily, there are many underutilised nooks and crannies that can be made useful through the addition of custom cabinetry. These are typically the spaces that cannot hold any home essentials (corners, the spaces above doors, little niches underneath staircases, etc.). While custom cabinetry created for you is more expensive than the generic options found in furniture stores, you will definitely enjoy an excellent return on investment.

Here are a few other interior design projects you may want to take up in an attempt to increase resale values:

• Consider the addition of energy-efficient lights or other environmentally-friendly improvements (offering prospective new owners a chance to save some money on utility bills is a definite bonus they’d be drawn to)
• Go for simple but effective kitchen updates like changing countertops and backsplashes – these are large surfaces and the addition of something new will have an immediate visual impact on the entire space
• A fresh coat of paint can go a long way in terms of maximising natural light and making each room appear larger
• A brand new entryway door is the first thing that potential buyers can see – choose one that looks good and that’s also decked out with the right kinds of security locks
• Old fabrics can look really shabby, which is why you can go for new curtains and beautiful textiles like a couple of carpets
• Movable partitions are also a good choice (especially for larger apartments) because they maximise the versatility of space utilisation

Don’t Just Spend on Random Interior Design Upgrades

Some interior design upgrades are incredibly costly and you’ll never get to recover the investment through the increase in the flat’s value.

This is why you need professional help before moving on to the next step.

Home Guide’s team knows what flat buyers are looking for. We understand the needs and preferences of brand new owners. Get in touch with us now to have your flat’s current condition assessed. Once we check out the state of the property, we’ll get to recommend the interior design changes that make the most sense in terms of resale value.

Interior design has so many faces that it’s difficult to put a label to all of the variety. There are numerous styles, trends and tendencies that designers can embrace, mix and match to give their clients a splendid outcome every single time.

The variety is so great that no Singapore interior design company can master all of the possibilities. The longer a team has been in business, however, the more diversified their portfolio is going to be.

Home Guide’s residential portfolio is living proof of the claim. Through the years, we’ve carried out numerous home renovations to accommodate for the specific tastes and preferences of so many clients. The results are always bright, aesthetically pleasing and most importantly – functional.

If you’d like to acquaint yourself with the most prominent interior design styles that Home Guide has totally owned, check out the examples below.

Functional Minimalism

Minimalism is a timeless, elegant style that will always remain in high demand. At the same time, executing a minimalist concept flawlessly isn’t easy. When the minimalism lacks personality and proper tailoring, it can end up looking too bland and sterile.

That’s a problem our team has never had due to the fact that we work on minimalist projects very frequently. These are exceptionally good for small spaces, creating clever solutions to optimise the flat and give the inhabitants comfort without clutter.

Check out this beautiful, sleek and minimalist Bukit Batok flat.

It’s minimal in a sense that it features only functional essentials in terms of furniture and decoration. At the same time, the execution carries a lot of warmth and distinctiveness. The selection of dark tones and certain materials give it strong, sophisticated masculine vibes.

Scandinavian Appeal

Scandinavian is another interior design style that will never go out of fashion. The focus is once again functionality. At the same time, Scandinavian design is heavily reliant on natural materials and colour schemes that Singapore BTO flat owners find especially enticing.

We carried out a distinctive Scandinavian project at this Leedon Residence apartment.

The design emphasis fell on art, functionality and the owner’s love of quality wine. To bring all of these together, we incorporated smart storage solutions into the flat’s design, we focused on neutral and natural tones and we added a bit of playfulness through the incorporation of geometric shapes and patterns into the décor.

Modern Eclectic with an Artistic Flair

For many BTO flat owners, a single design style simply doesn’t cut it. They want choices in line with their lifestyle. Quite often, these choices fall under different design categories and can be difficult to bring together.

An experienced home interior design company, however, can make eclectic home decors look harmonious.

We’re especially proud of the Camelot by the Water condo project that was executed beautifully by our team. We married the eclectic and artistic style with hi-tech elements and innovative entertainment solutions. Bringing together artistic flair and a multimedia room was a ton of fun. The final result bold yet balanced.

Modern Urban Chic

Modern interior design is a fairly broad category. It addresses the needs of the busy professional in their 20s and 30s. Modern, urban design embraces functionality, ergonomics and technology. It’s a style that Home Guide’s team loves working with.

Here’s an example of a modern interior design concept we brought together for one of our clients.

Just like the modern style imposes, the design for this Yio Chu Kang Rd flat is functional and clean. This, however, doesn’t mean it’s boring or sterile.

We utilised a selection of bold furniture to contrast the clean lines.

The flat design also incorporates various nook and crannies that can hold personal items, souvenirs and art. These add even more to the overall character of the space by revealing a bit more about the residents and what they like.

Muji Love

The muji interior design style is quite interesting and pragmatic, as demonstrated by this Strathmore Avenue BTO renovation.

Muji décor is all about Japanese functionality, quality and straightforward design. There are no needless decorations, ornaments, bells and whistles. High quality natural materials give each choice a ton of sleekness and stylishness.

Muji isn’t simply minimalist, it’s also focused on quality. This is why we love it and get especially excited whenever such a project needs to be tackled.

Nautical Freshness

Here’s an example of a more niche nautical themed BTO project that we once again enjoyed working on tremendously.

Nautical themes aren’t as prominent as some of the other styles mentioned but they have a big number of devoted fans.

There’s something special about the blueness of the sea, its vastness and the distinctive sense of freedom that stems from it. Capturing all these elements in a BTO home interior design and renovation isn’t easy (but can be quite rewarding).

The nautical interior design at this Woodlands Rise 4-room BTO is perfect for the open spaces and the size of the flat. It brings numerous blues and whites together to create crisp and fresh backgrounds that pair really well with natural materials.

What’s Your Dream Home Style?

What interior design styles matches the specifics of the perfect BTO flat for your family?

Do you have a concept? Do you have some idea that still hasn’t come to full clarity?

Whatever the situation, don’t hesitate to contact Home Guide.

We’d be more than happy to get to know you and your vision better. Based on your input, we’ll work on a conceptual idea that will later on be brought to reality effortlessly.